- 437 Transport Squadron
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437 Transport Squadron
Squadron badgeInformation Role Transport Aircraft flown Current: Airbus CC-150 Polaris
Historic: Douglas Dakota and CC-106 YukonWing 8 Wing Base CFB Trenton Motto "Omnia passim" ("Anything Anywhere") Call Sign HUSKY History Date founded 1944 (RCAF)
1961 (CF)Badge Argent a husky's head affronté erased proper Notable Battle Honours France and Germany 1944-1945, Arnhem, Rhine. Honourary Distinction Gulf War Previous Designation 437 RCAF Transport Squadron 437 Transport Squadron is a unit of the Canadian Forces under the Royal Canadian Air Force, based at CFB Trenton in Ontario. The unit operates the CC-150 Polaris, and is responsible for long range military and VIP transportation (especially for the Royal Family visiting Canada).
Contents
History
437 Squadron was formed at Blakehill Farm in Wiltshire, England in 1944 as a unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and provided general transport until it was disbanded in 1946. During this time the squadron flew Douglas Dakota (Mk.III and IV) aircraft.
The squadron was reformed at CFB Trenton in 1961 and equipped with CC-106 Yukon. It was re-equipped with the CC-137 Husky (Boeing 707) in 1972. While operating the Husky it provided Air to Air Refueling in addition to transport services.
Operations
437 Transport Squadron frequently supports government dignitaries while on official visits, including the Prime Minister of Canada and Queen Elizabeth II during Royal tours of Canada. In June and July 2011 the squadron provided transportation for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as they toured Canada and the United States.
The squadron currently operates the CC-150 Polaris, a modified version of the Airbus A310. Three are configured for personnel and materiel transport, while two were reconfigured into the aerial refuelling role.
Two CC-150 air-to-air refueling tankers were deployed to support Operation MOBILE during the 2011 military intervention in Libya. Canadian CF-188 fighter jets that enforce the no-fly zone over Libya under Operation Odyssey Dawn and Operation Unified Protector were refulled by 437 Sqn.[1]
References
- ^ "Update on CF Operations in Libya" Canadian Forces website, 22 March 2011
External links
Canadian Forces Commander-in-Chief • Chief of the Defence Staff • Armed Forces Council • Chief of the Maritime Staff • Chief of the Land Staff • Chief of the Air Staff
Canada Command • Canadian Expeditionary Force Command • Canadian Operational Support Command • Canadian Special Operations Forces Command • Reserve Force
Royal Canadian Navy • Canadian Army • Royal Canadian Air ForceCategories:- Canadian Forces aircraft squadrons
- Air transport of heads of state
- Military history of Canada
- Military units and formations established in 1944
- Article XV squadrons of World War II
- Canadian military history stubs
- Military aviation stubs
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